Comparison of patients with different pathologies in terms of shoulder protraction and scapular asymmetry

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare cases with different shoulder and cervical pathologies in terms of shoulder protraction and scapular asymmetry. [Methods] A total of 216 patients, aged between 30-70 years, were included, 108 of which were in the patient group (subacromial impingement, rotator cuff problems, adhesive capsulitis, disc herniations) and 108 of which were in the control group. The control group consisted of cases with no prior neck and shoulder problems or pain. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS); the asymmetry of scapula was evaluated using the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) with two additional positions; and the protraction of the scapula was evaluated using the shoulder protraction test. [Results] According to the data obtained, the affected side scapular asymmetry and protraction in the patient group were significantly greater than in the control group. When the patient groups were compared in terms of different pathologies, there were no differences between scapular asymmetry and shoulder protraction. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the pathologies of the neck and shoulder were found to cause scapular asymmetry and shoulder protraction. However, patients with different pathologies had similar scapular asymmetry and shoulder protraction.